The Ultimate 15-Minute Garlic Noodles: An Irresistible, Quick & Easy Recipe

Prepare yourself to master the art of making the absolute best quick garlic noodles you’ll ever encounter. This remarkable dish is generously loaded with vibrant green onions, finely minced fresh garlic, and sautéed to perfection in a rich knob of butter. While this recipe features a few ingredients that might seem unconventional for garlic noodles, trust us, these unique additions are precisely what elevate this dish from good to extraordinary. Best of all, this incredibly flavorful meal can be ready on your table in approximately 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a speedy weeknight dinner or a delightful side.

Here it is! The long-awaited recipe that has been perfected and cherished – our signature quick garlic noodles! This isn’t just another noodle dish; it’s a culinary experience featuring delightfully chewy noodles sautéed in a harmonious blend of butter and fragrant minced garlic, generously accented with an abundance of fresh green onions. What truly sets this recipe apart are the layers of umami contributed by oyster sauce and a significant splash of fish sauce, creating a depth of flavor that is simply unparalleled.

We understand that the internet is brimming with countless garlic noodle recipes. However, we confidently assure you that this particular rendition is truly unique. It incorporates a couple of unexpected ingredients that, while not rare or hard-to-find, are not typically seen paired with oyster sauce and fish sauce in traditional garlic noodle preparations. But once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever made garlic noodles without them! The proof of its undeniable deliciousness? Walking into the kitchen to find my husband secretly licking the tongs clean, caught wide-eyed in the act, confirmed that I had indeed created the most intensely garlicky and utterly irresistible noodles around.

Having savored some of the finest garlic noodles across various culinary hotspots, from the Hawaiian shores of Maui to the bustling streets of San Francisco, and virtually every place that offers them on their menu, I can proudly declare this recipe delivers an exceptionally delicious batch. What makes these noodles even more remarkable is their incredible speed and simplicity. They come together in roughly 15 minutes, utilizing mostly staple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. This makes them versatile enough to serve as an outstanding side dish or an even more satisfying main course. Feel free to use your preferred noodles – ramen, spaghetti, or chuka soba noodles, as I often do. Elevate your meal by topping these savory noodles with sautéed shrimp, succulent crab, luxurious lobster, or crispy tofu, perhaps with a squeeze of sriracha for an extra kick.

Quick Garlic Noodles Video:

Essential Ingredients for the Best Homemade Garlic Noodles Recipe:

The ingredient list for my quick garlic noodles recipe is wonderfully concise, requiring just ten simple yet impactful components to create a dish bursting with flavor.

• Butter and Oil: This dynamic duo is essential. The butter provides an incredible richness and depth of flavor that is synonymous with luxurious garlic noodles. The addition of a neutral oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, is crucial as it elevates the smoke point of the butter, preventing it from burning too quickly and allowing the garlic to slowly infuse its essence without becoming bitter.
• Fresh Garlic: The star of the show! For this recipe, we emphasize using fresh garlic, finely minced. The slow sautéing process in butter allows the garlic flavor to fully infuse throughout the entire noodle dish, creating a robust and aromatic base. Do not substitute with garlic powder; the fresh variety is indispensable for the authentic taste.
• Scallions (Green Onions): These provide a subtle oniony bite and vibrant freshness. We’ll sauté a portion of the green parts along with the garlic to further infuse the butter with an aromatic foundation. Additionally, an extra sprinkling of fresh, thinly sliced scallions as a garnish adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, mild crunch.
• Fish Sauce: An incredibly powerful ingredient that adds a profound layer of umami, savory depth, and a touch of saltiness to the noodles. Its complex flavor profile enhances the overall dish without making it taste overtly “fishy.” If you adhere to a vegan diet, you can explore various online recipes to make a delicious vegan fish sauce substitute. As a last resort, a splash of soy sauce can be used, though the flavor profile will be different.
• Oyster Sauce: This thick, savory, and slightly sweet sauce is another umami powerhouse. It contributes a rich, salty element and a beautiful glossy sheen to the noodles. For our vegan friends, a high-quality oyster mushroom sauce is an excellent alternative, offering a similar depth of flavor and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: A vital component often overlooked, granulated sugar plays a crucial role in balancing the intensely salty and savory elements from the fish sauce and oyster sauce. It introduces a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors and can even aid in a slight caramelization during the cooking process. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness if preferred.
• Parmesan Cheese: Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you – Parmesan cheese! This is one of those “unusual” ingredients that truly makes this recipe shine. The sharp, salty, and distinctly umami flavor of Parmesan works surprisingly beautifully with the Asian-inspired oyster and fish sauces, creating an explosion of savory goodness that is truly addictive. If you’re vegan, a vegan parmesan alternative can be used, though be aware that the flavor might vary slightly from the dairy version.
• Prepared Noodles: This recipe calls for 8 ounces of dried noodles, which should be cooked according to their package instructions in a saucepan. The beauty of this dish is its versatility; almost any type of noodle will work! I often use Chuka soba noodles, which are readily available in many grocery stores. However, feel free to experiment with egg noodles, Hong Kong-style noodles, or even common pantry staples like spaghetti or angel hair pasta. This is a delightful fusion recipe, so there’s truly no wrong answer when it comes to your noodle choice!
• Fried Garlic: The ultimate garnish that takes these noodles to an irresistible level. These crispy, savory bits add an incredible textural contrast and an intensified garlicky punch. While it can sometimes be a bit tricky to locate in standard grocery stores, it’s a staple in most Asian supermarkets. Alternatively, you can easily make your own at home. Be mindful that many commercial brands fry their garlic in palm oil; if you prefer to avoid palm oil, always check the ingredient list. I was fortunate to find a locally available brand without it, but here’s a popular brand that uses soybean oil if you’re interested.

How to Craft the Best Garlic Noodles on the Planet:

1. Boil the Noodles to Perfection: Begin by setting a large pot of water to boil. For optimal flavor in your finished dish, remember to generously salt the water, much like you would for traditional pasta. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add your chosen noodles and cook them strictly according to the package instructions until they are perfectly al dente. While the noodles are cooking, you can simultaneously start the crucial butter infusion step. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside, ready to be tossed in the flavorful sauce.
2. Master the Butter Infusion: This step is the secret weapon for truly exceptional garlic noodles. The key is to allow the minced garlic and scallions ample time to slowly and thoroughly infuse all their aromatic flavors into the oil and butter. Start with a cold large skillet or wok, add the butter, oil, minced garlic, and sliced scallions. Place the skillet over medium-low heat and let it gently warm up. This infusion process will take approximately 5-7 minutes, and it’s imperative not to rush it. You want the garlic to barely sizzle and soften, releasing its essence without browning or burning, which would result in a bitter taste. The total cooking time for the dish remains under 30 minutes, and this patient infusion is absolutely worth the wait!
3. Bring the Garlic Noodles to Life: While your garlic and scallions are slowly infusing their magic, seize this moment to prepare your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, oyster sauce, and granulated sugar until well combined. Once the garlic infusion is complete (you’ll notice a fragrant aroma and softened garlic), increase the heat to medium-high. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and let it simmer gently for about 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld and slightly thicken. Immediately add the cooked, drained noodles to the pan and toss them vigorously, ensuring every strand is coated in the rich, glossy sauce. Finally, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss once more until it melts slightly and coats the noodles. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired, adding more fish sauce if you prefer a saltier, more umami-rich flavor. A helpful tip: always start with the lower end of the suggested sauce amounts (e.g., 1 tablespoon of each fish and oyster sauce), as you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Just before serving, top generously with crispy fried garlic for that irresistible crunch and intensified garlicky finish. Be warned: anticipate no leftovers, as these noodles are incredibly addictive!

What You’ll Absolutely Love About This Garlic Noodles Recipe:

• Incredibly Fast: These delicious garlic noodles come together in approximately 15 minutes, making them the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you crave a flavorful, homemade meal without the lengthy cooking process.
• Pantry-Friendly: You likely have almost all the necessary ingredients readily available in your pantry or refrigerator. This means less planning and fewer trips to the grocery store, perfect for impromptu cravings.
• Amazingly Versatile with Proteins: These noodles are a fantastic base for virtually any protein. Last week, my husband paired them with a spicy Thai Chicken, swapping out quinoa for these savory noodles. We’ve also enjoyed them alongside Miso Ginger Salmon and Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi – you truly can’t go wrong! Consider adding pan-seared beef, juicy pork, crispy pan-fried tofu, or even a simple fried egg for a complete meal.
• Perfect for Vegetable Lovers: If you prefer a lighter, vegetable-focused meal, these noodles shine just as brightly. They pair beautifully with garlic sautéed broccolini, perfectly seared bok choy drizzled with sesame oil (a true chef’s kiss!), or a medley of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas.
• Ultimate Comfort Food, Fast: They are absolutely perfect for those weeknights when you’re flying solo, and all you desire is a generous bowl of comforting, soul-satisfying food, and you need it FAST. This recipe delivers that cozy feeling in record time.

This quick garlic noodles recipe is designed to serve four people, but if you ask my husband, he’ll confidently tell you there’s just enough for one. Honestly, it’s so incredibly difficult to stop yourself from devouring the entire pan, so I highly recommend planning on making more than you think you’ll need!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like these flavorful noodle and rice dishes:

• Cantonese-Style Pan-Fried Noodles
• Sesame Ginger Tofu and Veggie Stir Fry
• Gochujang Noodles
• Sesame Peanut Noodles with Chicken
• Hibachi Fried Rice

Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Noodles & Common Questions

To ensure your garlic noodles are perfect every time and to help you master this quick and delicious dish, here are some expert tips and answers to frequently asked questions:

• Noodle Choice Matters: While the recipe is forgiving, the type of noodle can subtly change the texture. Thicker noodles like spaghetti or Chuka soba offer a satisfying chew, whereas thinner angel hair pasta or ramen will absorb the sauce more quickly, resulting in a softer texture. Choose based on your preference!
• Don’t Rush the Garlic Infusion: This is arguably the most critical step. Cooking the garlic and scallions slowly in cold fat allows their flavors to gently release and permeate the butter and oil without burning. Burnt garlic will turn bitter and ruin the dish. Low and slow is the way to go here!
• Adjusting Seasoning: Always taste and adjust. Start with the recommended smaller amount of fish sauce and oyster sauce (1 tablespoon each), then add more gradually until it suits your palate. The saltiness can vary between brands of sauces and the Parmesan cheese.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftover garlic noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to rehydrate the noodles and loosen the sauce. Microwaving is also an option, but the skillet method helps maintain a better texture.
• Make Ahead Prep: While best served fresh, you can mince your garlic and slice your scallions ahead of time. You can also mix the fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar blend in a small bowl and store it in the fridge. Cook the noodles just before you’re ready to assemble.
• Adding Heat: For those who love a bit of spice, a dash of sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes tossed in with the sauce will add a wonderful kick.
• Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, thinly sliced cabbage, or shelled edamame directly into the pan with the noodles during the final tossing stage for extra nutrition and color.

Original recipe shared Feb 2018, updated with new images, and post Oct 2022.